A critically acclaimed musical vocal group, which has earned a reputation as one of the most expressive and entertaining ensembles in the world, will perform at the University of Aberdeen this Sunday (February 27).
The Cardinall’s Musick is one of Europe’s foremost early music vocal groups and has met with great critical acclaim for their project recording the complete works of William Byrd - the greatest English composer of the 16th century. The group will perform ‘Byrd Song’ in the historical setting of King’s College Chapel, Old Aberdeen at 7.45pm.
The evening concert will include Mass for Four Voices, motets and secular works, accompanied by organ music by Tallis – the most influential English composer of his generation.
The Cardinall’s Musick has been described as “one of the jewels in the crown of the UK music scene”. They concentrate on the music of the 16th and 17th centuries and through their concerts and recordings have established an enviable reputation.
The ‘Byrd Song’ concert is part of the University’s Early English Organ Project residency, which welcomed the arrival of two unique 16th century reconstructed English organs in January this year. The project, which runs until April 2005, is the only residency in the UK to attract the best performers and scholars from around the world.
The early English organs provide the sound of the type of organ that Bishop Elphinstone, founder of the University of Aberdeen, would have known. This Sunday’s performance by The Cardinall’s Musick is an opportunity to hear the ancient organs in the context of choral music from the same period.
Dr David Smith, Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of Aberdeen, is leading the Early English Organ Project. He said: “I attended their first ever concert in Oxford, and it was no surprise to find them years later giving recitals as part of the BBC Proms. This will be musicianship of the highest order.
“Byrd is a much loved composer, and of course the four-part Mass is one of his most popular works. In terms of the Early English organs, this will be first opportunity we will have had to hear them accompanying vocal music of the period, which no doubt will be a fascinating experience.”
Tickets for ‘Byrd Song’ are priced at £7.50 (concession £5) from Aberdeen Box Office on (01224) 641122 or at the door on the evening until sold out. The concert is being supported by the Craig Group.
Further details are available from University Music on (01224) 272571 or email music@abdn.ac.uk. Visit www.abdn.ac.uk/universitymusic